A Blairsville Police Officer was honored last night for saving the lives of two people during a rescue in May in the Conemaugh River.
(Photo Courtesy Blairsville Police Department)
On May 7th at 5:20 PM, Blairsville Fire Department’s Water Rescue Team; Black Lick and Tunnelton fire departments and Citizens’ and Mutual Aid Ambulances were called out to an area on the River Front Trail where a 47-year-old man and a seven-year-old boy were trapped by the fast-rising water. Once the victims were located, Officer Andrew Ong saw the man was struggling with the child. After seeing the water rescue team having problems, he took off his equipment and entered the water to help the two to shore.
Sacco said that Ong’s actions were above and beyond the call, as he put his own life at risk to save the two.
During the Blairsville Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, Chief Lou Sacco presented Officer Ong with the Medal of Valor and a letter of commendation in recognition for his efforts in the water rescue.
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